Investments in the Dubai World Central projects reached Dh22 billion to date, according to Khalifa Al Zaffin, executive chairman of the Dubai Aviation City Corporation, who did not provide a breakdown of the spending.

More than 60 per cent of work on the Dh2 billion Dubai Airshow facility in Al Maktoum International Airport is complete so far, he said, adding that it should be ready at least a month before the show begins in November.

Around 11 per cent of work on the Dh3 billion Concourse D in Dubai International Airport is also done at this point, he said. The project, awarded to Al Jaber Contracting Company, is due for completion by the end of 2014 and will increase the airport capacity to 92.5 million passengers annually.

Fly Dubai, among other carriers, will operate some of their flights from Al Maktoum airport when during the closure of Dubai International Airport’s northern runway for maintenance for three months, he added.

Most of Emirates SkyCargo flights will also be shifted to Al Maktoum International Airport after their new cargo terminal there is ready, Al Zaffin said.

About 60 logistics and airfreight companies have started constructing their own buildings in Al Maktoum International Airport complex, he said.

Dubai authorities are also studying a project to allow Al Maktoum International Airport passengers to check in and sort their luggage at service stations around the emirate and then take a dedicated Metro to the new airport, Al Zaffin said.

Under this project, Dubai is considering setting up service stations in high-population areas within the city and linking them directly to the new airport. Passengers can check-in at the stations and sort their luggage then take a dedicated metro linne to the airport.

Relevant authorities are studying the project and it would be implemented through Dubai Airports, RTA, Emirates airlines and other flight operators, Al Zaffin said in Via Dubai, the latest newsletter issued by Dubai Civil Aviation Authority.